When I first discovered the CAGED system, it blew my mind. I also felt silly never figuring it out by myself… this is how simple and powerful it is.
The CAGED name comes from the open chords we learned a few lessons ago – more specifically 5 of them: C open chord, A open chord, G open chord, E open chord, and D open chord. C-A-G-E-D
Here they are again, but this time the “root” is highlighted in pink.
The root is the note that gives the name to the chord e.g. the root of C major is C, so is the root of C minor or C7, Csus4 etc. the root of C# major is C#, Dm is D and so on.
Those 5 shapes are the basic forms to build other chords on the guitar. This is why it’s now important to identify the chord’s root; simply by sliding the position to another root, you’ll be playing the corresponding chord. That’s the core principle of the CAGED system.
The C shape:
That’s certainly not the easiest to play but CAGED starting with a C that’s where we’ll start.
The C open chord you already know:
If you refer to the circular diagram (cf. notes and fretboard), you know that if move up a whole-step ( = 2 frets) from C, you get a D – here’s a D chord:
This is a barre chord in case you wonder how to use that many fingers:
- #1 goes on the 2nd fret,
- #4 on the root,
- #3 on the 4th fret of the D string
- #2 on the 3rd fret of the B string
another whole-step and you get an E, another half-step it’s an F etc.
The A shape:
The most common with the E shape – if you focus on those 2 only (i.e. A and E shapes), you probably have enough to be a rockstar. Many players don’t dig into the theory any further, and that’s ok too.
one whole step up will be a B major chord:
- #1 on the 2nd fret
- 2 options for the rest:
- use a single finger (i.e. #3) to press the D, G and B strings (my preference)
- #2 on the D string, #3 on the G string, #4 on the B string
A half-step for a C major:
etc.
The G shape:
Just like the C shape, I would encourage you to try it, but that’s certainly not the most comfortable – you can revisit it later. We will most likely return to those when we discuss the basics of harmony.
One whole step up the fretboard is A major. Now you understand why it’s probably better to learn G open chord with the little finger on the high E string.
Ouch. You don’t like it? I don’t think anyone does 🙂
etc.
The E shape:
Finally, we’re back to something that makes sense! The E shape is most likely the one you’ll play the most because of the root on the high E it’s easy to find your way. Combined with the A shape, you can play anything without moving too far up and down your fretboard.
Half-step (= 1 fret) to E is F… hey, but you know that one! cf. chords for beginners
etc.
The D shape:
The last one is very convenient in addition to E and A shapes because the bass is on the D string and consequently has a higher pitch. Try to switch some open chords for D-shaped barre chords, you might like it (e.g. instead of the open E, go for the E major D shaped – see next example)
One whole-step up is E… OK, I shouldn’t tell you but I can’t resist: you don’t have to play that root if you don’t want to, just skip it – we’ll explain later in detail but the 3 notes left are enough to define the major chord. Life is too short for hurting yourself with barre chords 🙂
etc.
What did you learn?
- 5 basic shapes
- when slid up and down the fretboard, those chord forms can build any other chord you want
- don’t sweat the C and G too much
- barre chords are ugly but convenient, but ugly.
Why is that important?
more chords, more songs